The best Microsoft OneNote alternatives in 2026
Free freeform notebook with ink, voice transcription and Copilot with Microsoft 365. Microsoft OneNote scores 8.2/10 in our AI note-taking apps ranking. It's the top-rated app in this category, but these are the strongest alternatives. Every app below is scored with the same published rubric.
9 alternatives, best first
Full AI note-taking apps ranking →- 1
Notion
Best forPeople and teams who want notes, docs and projects in one AI-powered workspace
All-in-one workspace for notes, docs and tasks with AI that answers from your pages
Has that Microsoft OneNote doesn't: AI writing help (draft, rewrite or summarise)
Free plan · paid from $12/month
8.1/10★★★★★Visit ↗ - 2
Craft
Best forApple users who want polished, well-structured notes and docs with AI
Beautifully designed docs and notes app with an AI Assistant that knows your content
Has that Microsoft OneNote doesn't: AI writing help (draft, rewrite or summarise) · Works offline
Free plan · paid from £6.40/month
8.1/10★★★★★Visit ↗ - 3
Goodnotes
Best forStudents and tablet users who take notes by hand
Leading handwriting notes app with AI audio transcription, meeting minutes and summaries
Has that Microsoft OneNote doesn't: AI writing help (draft, rewrite or summarise)
Free plan · paid from $11.99/year
8.0/10★★★★★Visit ↗ - 4
Obsidian
Best forPower users who want local, private notes and full control over which AI they use
Free local-first Markdown notes with AI through plugins such as Copilot
Has that Microsoft OneNote doesn't: AI organises notes or surfaces related notes automatically · Works offline
Free plan · paid from $4/month
7.9/10★★★★★Visit ↗ - 5
Apple Notes
Best foriPhone, iPad and Mac users who want simple, free notes with built-in AI
Free built-in notes on Apple devices with Apple Intelligence writing tools and Image Wand
Has that Microsoft OneNote doesn't: AI writing help (draft, rewrite or summarise)
Free
7.9/10★★★★★Visit ↗ - 6
Capacities
Best forStudents and researchers building a structured personal knowledge base
Object-based notes for building a personal knowledge base, with an AI assistant on Pro
Has that Microsoft OneNote doesn't: AI writing help (draft, rewrite or summarise) · Works offline
Free plan · paid from $9.99/month
7.8/10★★★★★Visit ↗ - 7
Evernote
Best forLong-time Evernote users who want AI added to a mature capture-everything app
Veteran notes app with an AI Assistant, AI transcription, AI Edit and semantic search
Has that Microsoft OneNote doesn't: AI writing help (draft, rewrite or summarise) · Works offline
Free plan · paid from $15/month
7.3/10★★★★★Visit ↗ - 8
Mem
Best forBusy professionals who want an AI to organise and follow up on their notes
AI-first notes app that tracks your tasks and recalls anything you've saved
Has that Microsoft OneNote doesn't: AI writing help (draft, rewrite or summarise) · AI organises notes or surfaces related notes automatically
Free plan · paid from $9/month
7.0/10★★★★★Visit ↗ - 9
Reflect
Best forMac and iPhone users who want private, local notes with optional AI
Open-source networked notes with daily notes, backlinks and bring-your-own-key AI
Has that Microsoft OneNote doesn't: AI writing help (draft, rewrite or summarise)
Free plan
6.7/10★★★★★Visit ↗
Quick answers
What is the best alternative to Microsoft OneNote?
In our AI note-taking apps ranking, Notion scores highest among the alternatives (8.1/10). Best for: People and teams who want notes, docs and projects in one AI-powered workspace. Microsoft OneNote scores 8.2/10.
Is there a free alternative to Microsoft OneNote?
Yes. Notion has a free plan (Free personal plan with a limited AI trial), and scores 8.1/10 in our ranking.
Why look for a Microsoft OneNote alternative?
Common reasons people switch: Copilot requires a paid Microsoft 365 plan. Freeform pages can get messy and feel corporate.